Jury finds Ewing woman guilty of making terroristic threats

Last week, a jury convicted a Ewing woman of making terroristic threats against a former romantic interest, stemming from incidents that happened between Sept. 28 and Oct. 9, 2023.

Jessica J. Snyder, 41, was found guilty of terroristic threats, a Class IIIA felony.

Jury selection began May 1, with testimony commencing that morning. On Thursday, May 2, the jury deliberated for approximately two hours and found Snyder guilty.

According to Holt County Attorney Brent Kelly, two minor children were removed from Snyder's home in the weeks leading up to Oct. 8. Those children were placed in the care of their father, Ervin Mast, of rural Ewing.

"Mast received concerning text messages from Snyder, as well as a phone call that went further than the texts," Kelly said. "She alluded she'd been practicing with a firearm. And, she told him, 'The Mast kids will never see their father again.'"

After receiving the phone call, Mast contacted his attorney, who urged him to contact the Holt County sheriff's office. While he was speaking with Holt County Investigator Steven Binkerd, Snyder continued to call Mast.

Binkerd instructed Mast to call and record the conversation. In the recording, Snyder alludes to the prior phone call and threatens harm again.

"He (Mast) believed she made two threats, one was suicidal, one was homicidal. One of those is illegal," Kelly told the jury during opening arguments.

While on the witness stand, Mast testified he asked Snyder why she would want their children to be without a mother and father.

"I don't want you to have anything to do with my kids. If I kill myself, I don't want to leave the kids with you," Snyder is heard saying on a recording presented as evidence.

Rod Smith, counsel for the defense, said their interpretation of the events leading up to Snyder's arrest were "quite different," claiming the text messages sent were "subject to interpretation."

"Only one person talks about killing during the phone call (heard) and that person is Ervin Mast," Smith said.

Smith asked Mast if he and Snyder had ever discussed placing their children for adoption. Mast said the subject was discussed when their oldest child was two- to three-months old.

"Was paperwork prepared?" Smith asked.

Mast said he was unaware of any adoption agreement.

Binkerd testified he received an electronic message from Mast, containing an audio file of the phone call. Binkerd drove to Ewing to talk to Snyder and a 28-minute conversation ensued.

Binkerd testified that Snyder denied saying anything threatening, until he played the recorded file.

"Later, she admitted she had made those comments to Ervin Mast," Binkerd said.

On the second day of the trial, the defense did not call witnesses. During closing arguments, Smith said the case was built on hyperbole.

"She got mad and said things she shouldn't have said ... Were her statements threat or hyperbole caused by anger?" Smith asked.

Snyder will return to court July 1 for sentencing. A $5,000 personal recognizance bond will remain in effect, along with other stipulations, including the wearing of a GPS monitor, attending counseling sessions and not possessing any firearms or weapons.

Kelly issued a press release, Monday, thanking those summoned for jury service.

"It is a disruption and an inconvenience for everyone involved, but it is vitally important to the administration of justice. On behalf of the people of the State of Nebraska, we thank you."